Summary
Metaphor ReFantazio,the new release from Atlus, stands as an innovative premise in the JRPG landscape. Inspired by renowned titles likePersona, the game maintains similarities in concepts and mechanics, but distinguishes itself with a unique personality. This distinction aims to provide a fresh experience for enthusiasts passionate about Japanese RPGs.
Despite shared influences with Atlus’Personaseries,Metaphor ReFantazioestablishes itself as an original work, incorporating exclusive elements that enrich the narrative and gameplay. Atlus presents players with a new game where they can feel familiar with the mechanics while embarking on a new journey within the JRPG genre.
10Metaphor ReFantazio Features A New Setting
One of the main differences betweenMetaphor ReFantazioandPersonalies in the setting of the game. While Atlus’solder franchise uses modern times as a setting, and placesplayers in the role of high school students seeking to solve problems by fighting in a parallel universe,Metaphor ReFantazioopts for Medieval high fantasy.
The choice of Medieval high fantasy allowsMetaphor ReFantazioto explore epic narratives and archetypal characters, enriching the gaming experience with magical elements and grand battles. This setting expands the possibilities for story development and game mechanics, significantly differentiating itself from the contemporary environments ofPersona.
9Combat In Metaphor ReFantazio Aims To Be More Dynamic
Similar To Persona, But With Unique Innovations
WhilePersonautilizes aturn-based combat system,Metaphor ReFantaziointroduces a hybrid approach that combines turn-based battles and real-time action. This division occurs between the Squad Mode, for more challenging confrontations, and Fast Mode, which allows players to defeat low-level enemies quickly, improving the game’s pace.
Moreover,Metaphor ReFantazioincorporates the Press Turn system from theShin Megami Tenseifranchise, providing greater flexibility in the available actions during battle. This mechanic rewards players with “half turns” for successive attacks, differentiating itself from the traditional turn-based system ofPersonaand offering more dynamic and engaging strategies for players.
8Social Links Are Different In Metaphor ReFantazio
The Mechanic Exists, But Differs From Persona
One of the classic elements ofPersona, introduced during the third game in the franchise,is Social Links, which also became a trademark of the series. Fortunately, Atlus saw potential in this mechanic forMetaphor ReFantazioand included it in the game, allowing more interaction between the protagonist and the other characters.
However, according to the game’s developers, the Social Links in Atlus’s new game will function slightly differently, as completing them will not result in possible romances between characters. For players who enjoyed developing the relationships between characters into love interests inPersona, this aspect will be different inMetaphor ReFantazio.
7Metaphor ReFantazio Will Have An Archetype System
Resembles Traditional Medieval RPG Classes
The Archetypes inMetaphor ReFantazioact like traditional RPG classes, each offering unique abilities that can be enhanced throughout the game. Players can choose between different Archetypes, such as Warrior, Mage, and Healer, among others. By leveling up these classes, new abilities are unlocked, allowing greater customization of each player’s strategy.
Additionally, Archetypes can combine to perform special attacks known as Synthesis Skills, where two characters with compatible Archetypes can join forces to execute powerful abilities. These combinations create interesting strategic possibilities, encouraging players to experiment with different class combinations and explore the full combat potential offered byMetaphor ReFantazio.
6The Design Of Monsters Is New In Metaphor ReFantazio
Atlus Forgoes Classic Shin Megami Tensei Designs
TheShin Megami Tenseifranchise, and all subsequent spin-offs, likePersona, are known for using the sameclassic monster designs since the series' inception,with demons undergoing minor changes over time and few experiencing radical transformations. InMetaphor ReFantazio, Atlus is stepping out of its comfort zone.
The exclusive designs inMetaphor ReFantaziogive the game a new visual makeover, distinguishing it from Atlus' previous titles. Each character and monster has been carefully crafted to align with the medieval fantasy setting, providing a unique and immersive esthetic that strengthens the game’s visual identity with incredible new designs.
5Magic And Abilities Are Very Different In Metaphor ReFantazio
Another Way To Distinguish Itself From Comparisons With Persona
The demons were not the only things to receive a makeover in Atlus' new game, as magic and other abilities present throughoutMetaphor ReFantazio’sjourney have also undergone some changes. In this way, the developers manage to add even more personality to the title, bringing it closer its the new setting.
Players familiar withPersonamight recognize some similarities in magic and abilities, butMetaphor ReFantaziointroduces many new features that will keep them engaged. Although some mechanics may seem familiar, the medieval fantasy setting and the new ways of using these abilities ensure a fresh experience for Atlus veterans.
4Exploration Differs From Persona Games
Players Are Not Limited To One City In Metaphor ReFantazio
Beyond a different setting,Metaphor ReFantazioalso offers a different exploration experience for players. InPersonagames, characters are usuallylimited to the city where the story takes place. While there are many places to visit, either in the real world or the metaverse, the setting doesn’t vary much.
InMetaphor ReFantazio, players will have more places to explore, as part of the story’s plot involves traveling the world and discovering new places as Atlus' new game narrative unfolds. Players will have even more points of interest to visit, uncovering the secrets that this universe hides.
3Metaphor ReFantazio Explores Deeper Themes Than Persona
Atlus Utilizes The Unique High Fantasy Setting To Deepen The Narrative
Metaphor ReFantaziogoes beyond traditional JRPG plots by focusing on deeper themes such as political power, social injustice, and personal growth. The Medieval high fantasy setting, situated in the kingdom of Euchronia, serves as a foundation for these dilemmas, highlighting the complexity of social classes and political conflicts.
By exploring a story filled with intrigue and social conflicts, the game creates a unique narrative experience. The characters' journeys involve decisions that directly impact the surrounding world, placing players at the center of alliances and political disputes. This narrative depth promises a differentiated immersion within the genre.
2The Protagonist Of Metaphor ReFantazio Has A Voice
A Depature From The Silent Characters Of Persona
One of the more significant innovations inMetaphor ReFantaziois that the main character breaks a tradition of many other JRPGs on the market, especially some from Atlus, which involves playing a silent protagonist throughout the story. This approach allows players to insert themselves into the narrative and feel part of it.
However, an interesting aspect that Atlus implemented in their new game is that, from the beginning, it tries to separate the protagonist and the player into different entities that coexist in the story. Besides being a cool and well-executed concept, it also gives themain character a voice and more personalitywhen interacting with surrounding characters without excluding the individual playing.
1Metaphor ReFantazio Will Not Have An Arcana System
Another Key Mechanic From Persona Is Left Out Of Metaphor ReFantazio
The Arcanas inPersonarepresent archetypal aspects of the characters' personalities, inspired by tarot cards. Each Arcana is linked to Social Links, which strengthen the players' Personas. As these bonds develop, personas gain new powers, reflecting emotional growth and the bond between the protagonist and the characters.
InMetaphor ReFantazio, the Arcana system has been set aside, replaced by Archetypes. These Archetypes offer players more freedom to customize the characters' abilities, combining different classes and combat styles. This allows for strategic and differentiated progression, moving away from the focus on social relationships and betting on a more flexible approach.
